Plymouth MP says city will "rise to challenge of new lockdown"
Luke Pollard says local residents have done "so well" fighting the virus so far
A Plymouth MP says a new national lockdown is "needed".
Luke Pollard has been commenting on the new measures, which the Prime Minister hopes can start being eased by next month.
But cabinet office minister Michael Gove said it could be March until we see that happen - saying the relaxing of rules will be progressive, and there'll be "very, very difficult weeks" ahead.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer had called for another national shutdown and Mr Pollard said he's "glad" the Government has followed his advice:
"The government has lost control of the virus and so a new national lockdown is needed.
"Plymouth will rise to the challenge of a new national lockdown. We now need more support for those who will now struggle to make ends meet without work - including those self-employed people who have been excluded from support so far.
"Plymouth has done so well fighting the virus so far. The vaccine is coming, if we pull together we can get through these difficult few months."
It has now been announced that UK businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will get a one-off grant of up to £9,000 per property, following new lockdown restrictions.
The chancellor's announced £4.6 billion is being put aside for the scheme, to help firms get through the spring.
There will also be a £594 million pound discretionary fund made available to support other impacted businesses.